Monday, January 9

The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays by Theresa Cheung

Want to learn about your birthday, yourself and your destiny?

No?

Well, how about an insight into that of a fictional character?

I love astrology, horoscopes and tarot.

Not so much for how they relate to me but for how I can use them to help shape my characters. The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays takes every day of the year (including the 29th of February) and gives an insight into persons born on that day.

Whether or not you believe in this sort of thing, it is a wonderful thing to contemplate when you are creating your characters and possibly choosing their date of birth.

To put the book to the test, I took a few birthdays of fictional characters to see what it had to say.

9th January

Severus Snape detests mediocrity. He is prone to lose his temper. A nap from time to time would do him some good. Sensitivity toward others isn’t scheduled to improve until around the age of 42.

1st July

Indiana Jones is charismatic, adventurous and intelligent. He is impulsive and always ready to help someone out. His own worst enemy, he should try to be in control of the situation instead of letting his impulses run away with him.

18th August

Percy Jackson is sensitive and feels the need to guide and protect others. Once he matures and sets his mind to something, he can achieve it. He is able to gain plenty of friends but needs to take care not to get wrapped up in his emotions.

1st September

Artemis Fowl is obsessed with his work. He likes a challenge but his refusal to give in can hinder him. More laughter in his life would benefit him. Regardless of his age, he will accomplish his goals.

22nd September

Bilbo and Frodo Baggins share the same birthday. The two of them are hardworking, intelligent and a little eccentric. They can be restless and feel the need to make something of themselves. Relationships are important to them but later in life they become more able to rely on themselves.

Those are just a few snippets. Of course, I can't vouch as to whether these are accurate traits of all these characters. What are your opinions?

I find it lots of fun to look through The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays. In addition to giving information for each birthday, it gives some information on astrology and tarot.

I’m glad to own a copy of this book and I recommend it to anyone interested in choosing the right date of birth for their own fictional characters.

In accordance with the FTC, Quill Café would like to disclose that the reviewer purchased this book. The opinions expressed are hers alone and no monetary compensation was offered to her by the author or publisher. Cover art is copyright of Harper Element and is used solely as an aide to the review.